U.S. victims seek justice one year after Brussels terror attack

An Indian flight attendant who was injured in the Brussels airport blasts last year said she has recovered 70 percent of her previous fitness level and would like to resume her passion, flying. (March 21
AP

Rescue workers and airport workers attend a commemorative event on the first anniversary of the Brussels terrorist attacks, in Brussels, Belgium, March 22, 2017.(Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET, EPA)

James Cain appreciated the solemn ceremonies Wednesday in Belgium marking one year since suicide bomb attacks killed 32 people and wounded hundreds more in Brussels.

But the moment of silence and the wreath laid by King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and Prime Minister Charles Michel fell far short of the support families of the victims should expect from the Belgian government, Cain says.

Cain, a former U.S. ambassador to Denmark during the George W. Bush administration, was directly touched by the twin attacks at the Brussels airport and a subway station. His daughter, Anne Cameron Cain, lost her husband in the bombings. Last month she received a letter from Michel expressing sorrow for her loss and assuring her that the government was acting to “step up its support for victims and their loved ones.”

Cain says he was disappointed that the letter discussed disability pension and medical expense reimbursement — for victims of Belgian nationality or residence. The government said it was prohibited from compensating foreigners, even if governmental negligence is established. Sixteen of those who died and scores of the 300 wounded were not Belgian.

"It is not right to deny so many victims," Cain told USA TODAY. "We want fair treatment not just for our family but for everyone who suffered in this attack."

One year ago, two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the airport's departure hall during a peak travel period, killing Cain's son-in-law and 15 other people. An hour later, a bomb was ignited in a train at a busy metro station, killing 16 more people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Last month, Cain wrote a letter to the Belgian Parliament's commission investigating the tragedy. He compared the Belgian government's response to the terror attacks in the U.S. in 2011.

"What a contrast this attitude is to that of America's leaders following 9/11," Cain wrote.

The 9/11 Victim's Compensation Fund paid out an average of more than $2 million to families of the victims. More than 350 non-Americans received payouts.

"The 9/11 victim's fund was designed to support victims and their families," Cain says. "But it had another purpose — to atone for the failures of government that ignored the warning signs of 9/11 and that failed to stop the attacks."

Cain contends that, although a parliamentary commission hasn't completed its investigation of last year's attack, the Belgian government's failures were at least as great as the U.S. mistakes leading up to 2001 "if not significantly worse." Cain cited widely reported claims of problems with airport security, as well as issues with the surveillance of key figures in the attack.

Cain was invited to address the Belgian commission this week. He also spoke with Michel and other leaders. He said he was encouraged by his reception. He said litigation remains an option, but he "fervently hopes" it won't be necessary.

"In the last few days there seems to have been a shift as a result of public opinion driven in part by the very passionate stories of the victims, particularly victims from America," Cain said. "We are encouraged that there is a consensus to do more for victims — and to do it more quickly."

People stand in front of a remembrance wall at the Maalbeek subway station in Brussels during the commemorations marking the first anniversary of the twin Brussels attacks by Islamic extremists.
John Thys, AFP/Getty Images

Brussels region Minister-President Rudi Vervoort, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Brussels City mayor Yvan Mayeur unveil a steel memorial at the heart of the European Union institutions based in Brussels as the country marks the first anniversary of the Brussels attacks by Islamic extremists. Didier Lebrun

A child carries flowers during a commemorative march as Belgium marks the first anniversary of the twin Brussels attacks by Islamic extremists at La Bourse in Brussels.
Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

A couple stands in front of a remembrance wall at the Maalbeek subway station in Brussels during the commemorations marking the first anniversary of the twin Brussels attacks by Islamic extremists.
John Thys, AFP/Getty Images

People place flowers during the inauguration of a steel memorial by Belgian sculptor Jean-Henri Compere in Brussels as the country marks the first anniversary of the twin Brussels attacks by Islamic extremists. Didier Lebrun, AFP/Getty Images